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Virgin Brides, Arrogant Husbands #1
The Greek Tycoon's Disobedient Bride
Bought: one house, one wife!
It amazed Ophelia that Lysander Metaxis -- a Greek billionaire notorious for his harem of adoring women -- wanted to marry her, a humble gardener with a grumbling old manor house and debts up to her ears.
But soon she realized Lysander didn't want her- he wanted her property and her body.
But marry him she would, because she had no choice if she wanted to keep what she cherished most. And disobedient she would be, because her new husband had no intention of loving her...
It amazed Ophelia that Lysander Metaxis -- a Greek billionaire notorious for his harem of adoring women -- wanted to marry her, a humble gardener with a grumbling old manor house and debts up to her ears.
But soon she realized Lysander didn't want her- he wanted her property and her body.
But marry him she would, because she had no choice if she wanted to keep what she cherished most. And disobedient she would be, because her new husband had no intention of loving her...
192 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published July 1, 2008
166 people are currently reading
1038 people want to read
About the author
Lynne Graham
1,778 books1,450 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name. See this thread for more information.
Lynne Graham was born on July 30, 1956 of Irish-Scottish parentage. She has livedin Northern Ireland all her life. She grew up in a seaside village with herbrother. She learnt to read at the age of 3, and haven't stopped since then.
Lynne first met her husband when she was 14. At 15, she wrote her firstbook, but it was rejected everywhere. Lynne married after she completed adegree at Edinburgh University. She started writing again when she was athome with her first child. It took several attempts before she sold herfirst book in 1987 and the delight of seeing that first book for sale in thelocal newsagents has never been forgotten. Now, there are over 10 million ofher books in print worldwide.
Lynne always wanted a large family and has five children. Her eldest and heronly natural child is 19 and currently at university. Her other fourchildren, who are every bit as dear to her heart, are adopted. She has two9-year-olds adopted from Sri Lanka and a 5- and a 3-year-old adopted fromGuatemala. In Lynne's home, there is a rich and diverse cultural mix, whichadds a whole extra dimension of interest and discovery to family life. Thefamily lives in a country house surrounded by a woodland garden, which iswonderfully private. The family has two pets. Thomas, a very large andaffectionate black cat, bosses the dog and hunts rabbits. The dog is Daisy,an adorable but not very bright white West Highland terrier, who loves beingchased by the cat. At night, dog and cat sleep together in front of thekitchen stove. Lynne loves gardening, cooking, collects everything from oldtoys to rock specimens and is crazy about every aspect of Christmas.
Lynne Graham was born on July 30, 1956 of Irish-Scottish parentage. She has livedin Northern Ireland all her life. She grew up in a seaside village with herbrother. She learnt to read at the age of 3, and haven't stopped since then.
Lynne first met her husband when she was 14. At 15, she wrote her firstbook, but it was rejected everywhere. Lynne married after she completed adegree at Edinburgh University. She started writing again when she was athome with her first child. It took several attempts before she sold herfirst book in 1987 and the delight of seeing that first book for sale in thelocal newsagents has never been forgotten. Now, there are over 10 million ofher books in print worldwide.
Lynne always wanted a large family and has five children. Her eldest and heronly natural child is 19 and currently at university. Her other fourchildren, who are every bit as dear to her heart, are adopted. She has two9-year-olds adopted from Sri Lanka and a 5- and a 3-year-old adopted fromGuatemala. In Lynne's home, there is a rich and diverse cultural mix, whichadds a whole extra dimension of interest and discovery to family life. Thefamily lives in a country house surrounded by a woodland garden, which iswonderfully private. The family has two pets. Thomas, a very large andaffectionate black cat, bosses the dog and hunts rabbits. The dog is Daisy,an adorable but not very bright white West Highland terrier, who loves beingchased by the cat. At night, dog and cat sleep together in front of thekitchen stove. Lynne loves gardening, cooking, collects everything from oldtoys to rock specimens and is crazy about every aspect of Christmas.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 104 reviews
February 19, 2021
The central conflict in this forced marriage-to-inherit story is really about the billionaire hero learning to be a husband and the horticulture/gardening heroine learning to deal with the insanity that is the billionaire's world. There's a boatload of backstory for the heroine that I think is going to yield a sequel for her sister and a newly discovered brother. The adopted hero also has his demons (aka inability to commit and be vulnerable) - but the quirky heroine keeps him nicely off balance.
So - some concrete details so I'll remember this book -
The story opens with the bitter grandmother still not forgiving the hero's adoptive father for jilting her daughter (the heroine's mother) and marrying her best friend. Because of that she's kept the estate out of the hands of the hero's family and writes a will that states it will go to a distant cousin if the heroine and hero don't marry. There's a time urgency because the hero wants his cancer-stricken mother to know the estate is back in the family.
There is a parrot.
The heroine gives an interview to a tabloid to wind up the hero.
The heroine wrecks his favorite car while on his Greek island.
All is resolved when the heroine meets H's mother and jumps to conclusions that aren't warranted.
Hero has learned enough to chase her and explain himself.
This one is not very angsty. The entertainment comes from reading about characters who have problems you'll never have. Very restful for the mind.
So - some concrete details so I'll remember this book -
The story opens with the bitter grandmother still not forgiving the hero's adoptive father for jilting her daughter (the heroine's mother) and marrying her best friend. Because of that she's kept the estate out of the hands of the hero's family and writes a will that states it will go to a distant cousin if the heroine and hero don't marry. There's a time urgency because the hero wants his cancer-stricken mother to know the estate is back in the family.
There is a parrot.
The heroine gives an interview to a tabloid to wind up the hero.
The heroine wrecks his favorite car while on his Greek island.
All is resolved when the heroine meets H's mother and jumps to conclusions that aren't warranted.
Hero has learned enough to chase her and explain himself.
This one is not very angsty. The entertainment comes from reading about characters who have problems you'll never have. Very restful for the mind.
November 28, 2016
3.5 SELFISH STARS
This is the first book in Lynne Grahams series Virgin Brides, Arrogant husband. Its the story of Lysander an arrogant and self absorbed Greek billionaire, who only cares about making his sick mother happy. In order to do this he must take possession of her old home, Madrigal Court.
He come to claim this property after the death of the old tenant, the grandmother of the heroine. The heroine being this poor sweet innocent called Ophelia.
They are pushed together by her grandmothers will, in which she stipulates "I leave Madrigal Court and its contents in equal shares to my granddaughter, Ophelia Carter, and to Lysander Metaxis, provided that they marry..."
Therefore, they have little choice but to marry or they both risk losing something very dear to both of them.
Will this MOC be match made in heaven or hell?
Now this book is not my favourite by this author, as I found the hero to be too selfish. He only thought about his feeling and what he wanted almost the whole way through this book. There are others events that happen, like him wanting to continue his extramarital sexual encounters with his mistresses. She was not be his little country bit on the side and not tell anyone about their marriage.
He took every precaution as he did not trust her! Meanwhile, she just signs the prenup and takes him as his word about the nature of their relationship.
For me it was wrong and it got me mad.
He did not trust her but he expected her to trust him!?
DOUBLE STANDARD PARTY OF ONE!
The heroine was way way too sweet for him. She was a nice little homebody who loves gardening and her family. Hardly a match for this player harem keeper! I felt she was to quick to give in and forgave way too easily. I would have enjoyed a heroine with more sass. But that's a personal thing! She allows herself to be treated poorly and puts up with his verbal insults.
I did not like that.
However, I can overlook these things when the hero has an interesting background and has a logical explanation for his bad behaviour, but some I couldn't. He was a redeemable hero so I gave it 3.5 stars.
In general, I enjoyed this book and may one day read it again.
I can only recommend this book for its drama and angst, if you enjoy those things.
Also, I don't understand the title here. She was not really disobeying him in any way until the end, when she left him to reflect on her situation!? How do the authors pick these things!? I just don't get that at all here.
This is the first book in Lynne Grahams series Virgin Brides, Arrogant husband. Its the story of Lysander an arrogant and self absorbed Greek billionaire, who only cares about making his sick mother happy. In order to do this he must take possession of her old home, Madrigal Court.
He come to claim this property after the death of the old tenant, the grandmother of the heroine. The heroine being this poor sweet innocent called Ophelia.
They are pushed together by her grandmothers will, in which she stipulates "I leave Madrigal Court and its contents in equal shares to my granddaughter, Ophelia Carter, and to Lysander Metaxis, provided that they marry..."
Therefore, they have little choice but to marry or they both risk losing something very dear to both of them.
Will this MOC be match made in heaven or hell?
Now this book is not my favourite by this author, as I found the hero to be too selfish. He only thought about his feeling and what he wanted almost the whole way through this book. There are others events that happen, like him wanting to continue his extramarital sexual encounters with his mistresses. She was not be his little country bit on the side and not tell anyone about their marriage.
He took every precaution as he did not trust her! Meanwhile, she just signs the prenup and takes him as his word about the nature of their relationship.
For me it was wrong and it got me mad.
He did not trust her but he expected her to trust him!?
DOUBLE STANDARD PARTY OF ONE!
The heroine was way way too sweet for him. She was a nice little homebody who loves gardening and her family. Hardly a match for this player harem keeper! I felt she was to quick to give in and forgave way too easily. I would have enjoyed a heroine with more sass. But that's a personal thing! She allows herself to be treated poorly and puts up with his verbal insults.
I did not like that.
However, I can overlook these things when the hero has an interesting background and has a logical explanation for his bad behaviour, but some I couldn't. He was a redeemable hero so I gave it 3.5 stars.
In general, I enjoyed this book and may one day read it again.
I can only recommend this book for its drama and angst, if you enjoy those things.
Also, I don't understand the title here. She was not really disobeying him in any way until the end, when she left him to reflect on her situation!? How do the authors pick these things!? I just don't get that at all here.
August 23, 2010
It's amazing how the arrogant hero becomes the besotted husband in Lynne Graham's books. After seeing Lysander's selfish playboy ways in the other books in this series, I was prepared to dislike Lysander. I actually ended up liking him more than his two friends. At the beginning of this book, he's definitely a womanizing type, bringing his current bed-warmer, a snooty Russian model, to the hearing of Ophelia's grandmother's will. However, one look at natural, down-to-earth Ophelia's beauty, and the Russian model is history.
Lysander originally came for one thing, to gain possession of Ophelia's home. It belonged to his mother, but Ophelia's grandmother refused to sell it to the Metaxis family out of bitterness, since Lysander's father left Ophelia's mother at the altar. In her will, she stipulated that half of the property would belong to Ophelia and Lysander, but only if they married. If not, the property would be so tied it up, it would take five years for Lysander to be able to buy it. Of course, Lysander is not happy about this development, but having a sexy wife like Ophelia that he can keep in the country sweetens the deal.
Ophelia has no desire to be married to a sleazy womanizer like Lysander Metaxis, no matter how much money he has. She just wants the right to her family home, and if not that, the walled garden that has been her own baby to nurture. And she also wants to find out where her half-sister Molly was taken after her grandmother took her in on her mother's death. The only way to get those things is to marry Lysander.
It turns out her grandmother double-crosses both of them, and the media finds out about his marriage, and Lysander feels that all bets are off. He will at least have his sexy bride in his bed, until they can safely dissolve this marriage.
I would say that Lysander falls pretty heavy and fast. He will do just about anything to keep Ophelia happy. He has fears of commitment due to his real father and mother and the sordid life he led before he was adopted by the Metaxis. But, Ophelia soon finds her way in his heart, even if he's afraid to confess it. Ophelia has her doubts that Lysander truly loves her, especially when she finds out his mother is sick, and believes he's acting like he's happily married on her account. Lysander's gestures are great, but Ophelia needs the words too. Never fear. This is Harlequin, and Lynne Graham, so there is a deliriously happy ending for all.
This was a quick, sexy, entertaining read. Fans of Lynne Graham should enjoy it very much, because it showcases all her strengths as a writer.
Lysander originally came for one thing, to gain possession of Ophelia's home. It belonged to his mother, but Ophelia's grandmother refused to sell it to the Metaxis family out of bitterness, since Lysander's father left Ophelia's mother at the altar. In her will, she stipulated that half of the property would belong to Ophelia and Lysander, but only if they married. If not, the property would be so tied it up, it would take five years for Lysander to be able to buy it. Of course, Lysander is not happy about this development, but having a sexy wife like Ophelia that he can keep in the country sweetens the deal.
Ophelia has no desire to be married to a sleazy womanizer like Lysander Metaxis, no matter how much money he has. She just wants the right to her family home, and if not that, the walled garden that has been her own baby to nurture. And she also wants to find out where her half-sister Molly was taken after her grandmother took her in on her mother's death. The only way to get those things is to marry Lysander.
It turns out her grandmother double-crosses both of them, and the media finds out about his marriage, and Lysander feels that all bets are off. He will at least have his sexy bride in his bed, until they can safely dissolve this marriage.
I would say that Lysander falls pretty heavy and fast. He will do just about anything to keep Ophelia happy. He has fears of commitment due to his real father and mother and the sordid life he led before he was adopted by the Metaxis. But, Ophelia soon finds her way in his heart, even if he's afraid to confess it. Ophelia has her doubts that Lysander truly loves her, especially when she finds out his mother is sick, and believes he's acting like he's happily married on her account. Lysander's gestures are great, but Ophelia needs the words too. Never fear. This is Harlequin, and Lynne Graham, so there is a deliriously happy ending for all.
This was a quick, sexy, entertaining read. Fans of Lynne Graham should enjoy it very much, because it showcases all her strengths as a writer.
March 28, 2012
Lynne Graham is one of my all time favorite Mills & Boon authors and I loved reading her Virgin Brides, Arrogant Husbands Trilogy, of which The Greek Tycoon’s Disobedient Bride is the first.
The story begins with Ophelia, who has been left a crumbling house by her bitter and twisted grandmother, with certain provisos that are not carried out will mean losing the home she loves. Lysander Metaxis life is linked to her family for something that happened years before and he is determined to obtain her home whatever it takes.
The clause states that she must marry Lysander and then Ophelia will be given a letter after the wedding telling her where to find her lost sister, Abbey. Lysander agrees to the mad idea because he wants the house for his dying mother.
Well, that might have been the reasons for both of them to agree on this mutual dislike to marry in the beginning but as they get to know each other, but as the story of both their families unfold, they are unable to deny the sizzling attraction they feel for each other. In fact the one scene together is really sexy and hot..really hot.
In the end, they have their HEA and we will have to wait for the next book to find out if Lysander has tracked down her sister…but wait…there might also be a lost brother that Ophelia knew nothing about.
I loved the characters in the story. Lysander and Ophelia…they are such a gorgeous couple……and for once I liked the heroine’s pet….a talking, cursing parrot named Harrock. I also liked the way the background of their two families makes for good reading and you want to know even more.
The story begins with Ophelia, who has been left a crumbling house by her bitter and twisted grandmother, with certain provisos that are not carried out will mean losing the home she loves. Lysander Metaxis life is linked to her family for something that happened years before and he is determined to obtain her home whatever it takes.
The clause states that she must marry Lysander and then Ophelia will be given a letter after the wedding telling her where to find her lost sister, Abbey. Lysander agrees to the mad idea because he wants the house for his dying mother.
Well, that might have been the reasons for both of them to agree on this mutual dislike to marry in the beginning but as they get to know each other, but as the story of both their families unfold, they are unable to deny the sizzling attraction they feel for each other. In fact the one scene together is really sexy and hot..really hot.
In the end, they have their HEA and we will have to wait for the next book to find out if Lysander has tracked down her sister…but wait…there might also be a lost brother that Ophelia knew nothing about.
I loved the characters in the story. Lysander and Ophelia…they are such a gorgeous couple……and for once I liked the heroine’s pet….a talking, cursing parrot named Harrock. I also liked the way the background of their two families makes for good reading and you want to know even more.
March 27, 2013
The heroine Ophelia has been left a crumbling house by her grandmother but there is a condition in the will. She must marry Lysander Metaxis who has his own personal reasons for wanting this house. Ophelia eventually gives in, they get married, move in together and fall hard and fast for each other.
I adored Ophelia because she is vulnerable and wears her heart on her sleeve. Lysander's character is to die for. He is complex, sexy and interesting. As a child he was brutally abused by his father and his mother died of drug overdose.
Originally he is not interested in a marriage but he soon realizes he wants his marriage to last cause he is smitten with the lovely Ophelia. I loved how he took care of her. He was protective, possessive and definitely marriage material.
Their "fight" scenes were awesome. It was so amusing to see these two bicker at each other and wanting nothing more than to jump each others bones. The love scenes were steamy but that was expected since their chemistry jumps off the pages!
Amazing romance that made me all warm and fuzzy!
I adored Ophelia because she is vulnerable and wears her heart on her sleeve. Lysander's character is to die for. He is complex, sexy and interesting. As a child he was brutally abused by his father and his mother died of drug overdose.
Originally he is not interested in a marriage but he soon realizes he wants his marriage to last cause he is smitten with the lovely Ophelia. I loved how he took care of her. He was protective, possessive and definitely marriage material.
Their "fight" scenes were awesome. It was so amusing to see these two bicker at each other and wanting nothing more than to jump each others bones. The love scenes were steamy but that was expected since their chemistry jumps off the pages!
Amazing romance that made me all warm and fuzzy!
November 18, 2022
This book was exactly what you would expect from the title, where it features Disobedient Bride of a Greek Tycoon. It was a bit too predictable but interesting enough for me to finish the book.
Ophelia took care of her grandmother until her death. Then she inherited the rundown manor and a letter, but the catch is that she has to marry Lysander Metaxis and live with him for a year; if not, the manor will go to her greedy cousin after five years. (Wow. She must really hate the Metaxis family) But how could she marry someone she didn't know and didn't like? But one thing she knew about Lysander; he was the only one who could get her angry and ache at the same time.
Lysander Metaxis is a Greek billionaire who really wants to get his hands on the manor. It belonged to his adopted mother, but Ophelia's grandmother refused to sell it to him So when she died and still refused to give up the manor unless he and Ophelia marry. He's not happy about the will, but he can't wait to wait another five years.
Will these two people find ways into each other's hearts? Will their past and mistrust keep them apart, destroying their marriage and their chance at a happily ever after?
It was very clear from the start that he was marrying her because of her will. She only agreed to get the letter that might have information about her sister, but I wouldn't say I like how Lysander manipulated and tricked her into agreeing to the marriage. I also didn't particularly appreciate how he treated Ophelia at first, disregarding her, her opinions, and his determination to keep their marital status a deep, dark secret. I'm glad that Ophelia finally had the backbone to stand up for herself and let him grovel.
But I still enjoyed reading it and watching as the two finally got their happy ending, even though the ending was abrupt and rushed. Anyway, the storyline was interesting enough to make you want to read the next book as soon as you put it down to find out more about Ophelia's sister and possibly her Russian brother. Lynne Graham did an excellent job of providing readers with a detailed story/background between Ophelia's mother and Lysander's father, as well as the two families.
Overall, The Greek's Disobedient Bride is a good read, and Ms. Graham fans will surely love it. I'm looking forward to reading book 2 since we are having a Russian alpha male hero (that's a change from our usual Spanish, Italian, and French heroes).
Ophelia took care of her grandmother until her death. Then she inherited the rundown manor and a letter, but the catch is that she has to marry Lysander Metaxis and live with him for a year; if not, the manor will go to her greedy cousin after five years. (Wow. She must really hate the Metaxis family) But how could she marry someone she didn't know and didn't like? But one thing she knew about Lysander; he was the only one who could get her angry and ache at the same time.
Lysander Metaxis is a Greek billionaire who really wants to get his hands on the manor. It belonged to his adopted mother, but Ophelia's grandmother refused to sell it to him So when she died and still refused to give up the manor unless he and Ophelia marry. He's not happy about the will, but he can't wait to wait another five years.
Will these two people find ways into each other's hearts? Will their past and mistrust keep them apart, destroying their marriage and their chance at a happily ever after?
It was very clear from the start that he was marrying her because of her will. She only agreed to get the letter that might have information about her sister, but I wouldn't say I like how Lysander manipulated and tricked her into agreeing to the marriage. I also didn't particularly appreciate how he treated Ophelia at first, disregarding her, her opinions, and his determination to keep their marital status a deep, dark secret. I'm glad that Ophelia finally had the backbone to stand up for herself and let him grovel.
But I still enjoyed reading it and watching as the two finally got their happy ending, even though the ending was abrupt and rushed. Anyway, the storyline was interesting enough to make you want to read the next book as soon as you put it down to find out more about Ophelia's sister and possibly her Russian brother. Lynne Graham did an excellent job of providing readers with a detailed story/background between Ophelia's mother and Lysander's father, as well as the two families.
Overall, The Greek's Disobedient Bride is a good read, and Ms. Graham fans will surely love it. I'm looking forward to reading book 2 since we are having a Russian alpha male hero (that's a change from our usual Spanish, Italian, and French heroes).
March 11, 2015
Sweet, likeable heroine, Ophelia. Hero, Lysander (is this a Shakespearean play?), is a womanizing gross arrogant immoral selfish jerk who uses and changes out women every few days or weeks but then inexplicably falls for heroine (even more express than most in presenting her virginity and disinterest in material things as what makes her a worthwhile human being....i always wonder, what if a woman actually likes jewelry?? Can't a quality woman appreciate pretty shiny things? I mean, it's eye-catching, it sparkles, it's valuable so clearly lots of people like it, right?).
Once Lysander decides he wants a real marriage and his MO of never explaining another woman's perfume all over him isn't going to cut it, H becomes almost and idiot savant on making his wife happy...so it was a little silly, even kind of boring but sort of sweet.
Since we are pretending that men who use women like disposable ejaculation buckets are going to turn into devoted husbands by the feel of an unclaimed hole to use, nice acknowledgement about reality--H's adopted father being the more typical womanizer, who rejects a woman he loves with a past to marry the "good girl" only to flagrantly cheat on his poor wife with the impure woman he loved and probsbly many other women...(maybe he should have judged her on their feelings and not a youthful mistake?)...and then he dies first, instead of the widow finding a good guy of her own, she has to stay a pure widow with cancer. So marry a guy like that and more than likely you'll never have a good time, even once you are finally shot of him and a rich widow, you'll finally be free but have to deal with cancer.
Once Lysander decides he wants a real marriage and his MO of never explaining another woman's perfume all over him isn't going to cut it, H becomes almost and idiot savant on making his wife happy...so it was a little silly, even kind of boring but sort of sweet.
Since we are pretending that men who use women like disposable ejaculation buckets are going to turn into devoted husbands by the feel of an unclaimed hole to use, nice acknowledgement about reality--H's adopted father being the more typical womanizer, who rejects a woman he loves with a past to marry the "good girl" only to flagrantly cheat on his poor wife with the impure woman he loved and probsbly many other women...(maybe he should have judged her on their feelings and not a youthful mistake?)...and then he dies first, instead of the widow finding a good guy of her own, she has to stay a pure widow with cancer. So marry a guy like that and more than likely you'll never have a good time, even once you are finally shot of him and a rich widow, you'll finally be free but have to deal with cancer.
May 8, 2012
I have had this book in my e-reader for quite sometime. I hesitated reading it because I was worried that this was going to fall into the typical trap of ruthless hero that only finds his way to love on the last page. To my surprise it was not! This was a well written, fun, entertaining read.
I really liked how the Hero, Lysander, falls hard and quickly for our heroine. I especially liked that there weren't agonizing pages of big misunderstandings because neither one could communicate. It felt like the misunderstandings were dealt with quickly, mostly due to Lysander's lack of patience for them. I think that is why he is one of my favorite heroes. Though he refuses to acknowledge that it is love rather than lust, he is very open about his commitment to the heroine and their marriage...and he works really hard to make her happy!
The heroine falls pretty hard too in spite of the fact that she suffers from major self esteem issues. My only regret is that I wished the author would have gone into a little more detail on the missing sister and the relationship that had existed between the two.
All and all, a fun read.
I really liked how the Hero, Lysander, falls hard and quickly for our heroine. I especially liked that there weren't agonizing pages of big misunderstandings because neither one could communicate. It felt like the misunderstandings were dealt with quickly, mostly due to Lysander's lack of patience for them. I think that is why he is one of my favorite heroes. Though he refuses to acknowledge that it is love rather than lust, he is very open about his commitment to the heroine and their marriage...and he works really hard to make her happy!
The heroine falls pretty hard too in spite of the fact that she suffers from major self esteem issues. My only regret is that I wished the author would have gone into a little more detail on the missing sister and the relationship that had existed between the two.
All and all, a fun read.
February 1, 2025
Re-read
August 7, 2019
I would never subject myself to a reread of this book. The hero was awful and man-whore is not strong enough to sum him up. It was disgusting!
Virgin Brides, Arrogant Husbands - A fair but not great book. Lynne Graham loves her man-whores and that is where I struggle so much with a lot of her books.
Our hero was Lysander Metaxis, notorious for his harem of adoring women, who is gorgeously handsome and horribly arrogant with a shovel full of mean thrown in for good measure. He put the M in man-whore and had a woman in his bed every night, even taking one with him to a reading of a will which was definitely inappropriate. The level of his man-whorish ways unfortunately was discomforting and we got to hear about it over and over and over. I personally hate that. How would you feel if your new husband takes you to his private Greek island home for the first time and when the new wife enters into the bedrooms she finds closets and drawers full of expensive women's clothing and undergarments in varying sizes and styles. It was way too much for me to really enjoy the story. By the way, she took a guest room far away from the master after seeing how he stocked his place for all his women's pleasure. He told her when he had a companion over he wanted them to feel welcome and have a good time. Wow...so nice to hear on the second day of your marriage! The women he dated never lasted more than two weeks and all he was after was sex...and plenty of it! He would screw them relentlessly and then buy them diamonds and send them on their way...next sex object coming right up. He cared for no one but himself. That began to change about 3/4 of the way through but the man simply didn't know how to give of himself.
This story is built on revenge. Granddaughter, Ophelia-mid twenties, had been blinded by her grandmother's lust for revenge. You see, Ophelia's mother was in love when she was young...maybe late teens. Something happened, or the fiance found out about a past indiscretion, and he called off the wedding two days before it was to take place. He went back to his previous girlfriend and married her. She was trained from a young age to hate and despise the Metaxis family. Now she is meeting with the attorneys who were to read and explain her grandmother's will in which it stipulated that Ophelia marry Lysander if they wanted the home.
I felt really bad for Ophelia because she never knew what Lysander was feeling or thinking and even though they had been playing at marriage he tells her he wants it for real. But, daily she is concerned that he will head off with another one of his beauties, she expects it. He keeps secrets and it makes her more and more miserable! He made her feel insecure and battered her self-confidence and self-worth.
This was not near as good as book two and I don't recommend it. Just my opinion.
I'm sorry but I cannot recommend.
Virgin Brides, Arrogant Husbands - A fair but not great book. Lynne Graham loves her man-whores and that is where I struggle so much with a lot of her books.
Our hero was Lysander Metaxis, notorious for his harem of adoring women, who is gorgeously handsome and horribly arrogant with a shovel full of mean thrown in for good measure. He put the M in man-whore and had a woman in his bed every night, even taking one with him to a reading of a will which was definitely inappropriate. The level of his man-whorish ways unfortunately was discomforting and we got to hear about it over and over and over. I personally hate that. How would you feel if your new husband takes you to his private Greek island home for the first time and when the new wife enters into the bedrooms she finds closets and drawers full of expensive women's clothing and undergarments in varying sizes and styles. It was way too much for me to really enjoy the story. By the way, she took a guest room far away from the master after seeing how he stocked his place for all his women's pleasure. He told her when he had a companion over he wanted them to feel welcome and have a good time. Wow...so nice to hear on the second day of your marriage! The women he dated never lasted more than two weeks and all he was after was sex...and plenty of it! He would screw them relentlessly and then buy them diamonds and send them on their way...next sex object coming right up. He cared for no one but himself. That began to change about 3/4 of the way through but the man simply didn't know how to give of himself.
This story is built on revenge. Granddaughter, Ophelia-mid twenties, had been blinded by her grandmother's lust for revenge. You see, Ophelia's mother was in love when she was young...maybe late teens. Something happened, or the fiance found out about a past indiscretion, and he called off the wedding two days before it was to take place. He went back to his previous girlfriend and married her. She was trained from a young age to hate and despise the Metaxis family. Now she is meeting with the attorneys who were to read and explain her grandmother's will in which it stipulated that Ophelia marry Lysander if they wanted the home.
I felt really bad for Ophelia because she never knew what Lysander was feeling or thinking and even though they had been playing at marriage he tells her he wants it for real. But, daily she is concerned that he will head off with another one of his beauties, she expects it. He keeps secrets and it makes her more and more miserable! He made her feel insecure and battered her self-confidence and self-worth.
This was not near as good as book two and I don't recommend it. Just my opinion.
I'm sorry but I cannot recommend.
October 1, 2025
Entertaining marriage-of-convenience plot
This is a very passionate, enemies-to-lovers, MOC story. I've read it multiple times over the years. I particularly enjoyed that the FMC dislikes getting dressed up and is an outstanding horticulturalist. Unusually for LG, there is no unplanned pregnancy.
This is a very passionate, enemies-to-lovers, MOC story. I've read it multiple times over the years. I particularly enjoyed that the FMC dislikes getting dressed up and is an outstanding horticulturalist. Unusually for LG, there is no unplanned pregnancy.
October 7, 2015
I have just finished to read the book, this is the only thing I have to say:
I don't know, I love this author, but it was hard to finish the book, it took me 3 DAYS! Can you believe it? Usually, it take me few hours or one day to read a Harlequin. It depends on my mood... I think I will re-read it soon ;)
The only thing I want to thank the book, it's that now I know another sport car that was unknown for me XD
Here it is, the Pagani Zonda:
XX
I don't know, I love this author, but it was hard to finish the book, it took me 3 DAYS! Can you believe it? Usually, it take me few hours or one day to read a Harlequin. It depends on my mood... I think I will re-read it soon ;)
The only thing I want to thank the book, it's that now I know another sport car that was unknown for me XD
Here it is, the Pagani Zonda:
XX
August 13, 2018
"The Greek Tycoon's Disobedient Bride" is the story of Ophelia and Lysander.
When Ophelia's bitter grandmother passes away, she never expects that in order to retain possession of her home Madrigal Court, she would have to marry the notorious womanizer and billionaire Lysander Metaxis as per her grandma's will.
Lysander has his own reasons in wanting to own the land, and they stem from the sins of his father. As he is forced by the testament to marry the voluptuous Ophelia, he decides to use the beautiful gold-digger as a bed companion too, and seduce her.
Ophelia might be innocent in ways of the bedroom, but she has her own reasons in eventually relenting to the marriage, and they have to do with a long lost sibling.
As they are forced into a union which is soon consummated, Ophelia realizes that there might be no love in this relationship- but every time she decides to leave, Lysander chases and stops her. Is there more to this sham than meets the eye?
Honestly, when the book started I had expected it to be a normal HQN novella- cruel hero, innocent heroine, drama, HEA..But this book surprised me on all accounts.
The hero was manipulative and a bit tomcat in the beginning, but once he sees the heroine, he gets kinda obsessed with her and works hard to make her his (even though he believes she is a trashy gold-digger that is). The heroine is innocent, yet she is determined and does not give into the hero's bullying without a fight. The sex scenes are SMOKING, back story is believable and there is minimal angst which leads to a sweet HEA.
Im so glad I gave this a chance!
SWE
When Ophelia's bitter grandmother passes away, she never expects that in order to retain possession of her home Madrigal Court, she would have to marry the notorious womanizer and billionaire Lysander Metaxis as per her grandma's will.
Lysander has his own reasons in wanting to own the land, and they stem from the sins of his father. As he is forced by the testament to marry the voluptuous Ophelia, he decides to use the beautiful gold-digger as a bed companion too, and seduce her.
Ophelia might be innocent in ways of the bedroom, but she has her own reasons in eventually relenting to the marriage, and they have to do with a long lost sibling.
As they are forced into a union which is soon consummated, Ophelia realizes that there might be no love in this relationship- but every time she decides to leave, Lysander chases and stops her. Is there more to this sham than meets the eye?
Honestly, when the book started I had expected it to be a normal HQN novella- cruel hero, innocent heroine, drama, HEA..But this book surprised me on all accounts.
The hero was manipulative and a bit tomcat in the beginning, but once he sees the heroine, he gets kinda obsessed with her and works hard to make her his (even though he believes she is a trashy gold-digger that is). The heroine is innocent, yet she is determined and does not give into the hero's bullying without a fight. The sex scenes are SMOKING, back story is believable and there is minimal angst which leads to a sweet HEA.
Im so glad I gave this a chance!
SWE
April 6, 2013
Lynne Graham always makes me greedy about her books.
Surprisingly, so far this is her only book which has a strong and clever heroine. I was getting tired for a spineless, no backbone heroine this author seems to like. So this book came as a surprise for me.
Unfortunately, when the spineless heroine appears, the story was pretty good. And this, when we have a strong heroine, the story is rather flat on the plot. I don't know if it's just my feeling or something but it seems i have a better expectation than this.
For once i want to read her book which has an alpha male meets his equivalent with a strong plot and great angst. And of course, LG could stick to her character, a virgin heroine. and no, a virgin heroine doesn't always weak!
Some of her books are just ridiculous when she writes about virgin heroines that always weak in sexual knowledge. There're common resource for it, and should i remind you that you don't write historical romances here. okay, i'm getting sarcastic. Oh come on! being virgin doesn't always mean that you can't be bold and confident. So yes, this book seems a good start.
i like the heroine, but i hope i can read our hero's inner thought more clear. but well, this book is good and because LG is one of my favorite author so i give this 4 stars.
Surprisingly, so far this is her only book which has a strong and clever heroine. I was getting tired for a spineless, no backbone heroine this author seems to like. So this book came as a surprise for me.
Unfortunately, when the spineless heroine appears, the story was pretty good. And this, when we have a strong heroine, the story is rather flat on the plot. I don't know if it's just my feeling or something but it seems i have a better expectation than this.
For once i want to read her book which has an alpha male meets his equivalent with a strong plot and great angst. And of course, LG could stick to her character, a virgin heroine. and no, a virgin heroine doesn't always weak!
Some of her books are just ridiculous when she writes about virgin heroines that always weak in sexual knowledge. There're common resource for it, and should i remind you that you don't write historical romances here. okay, i'm getting sarcastic. Oh come on! being virgin doesn't always mean that you can't be bold and confident. So yes, this book seems a good start.
i like the heroine, but i hope i can read our hero's inner thought more clear. but well, this book is good and because LG is one of my favorite author so i give this 4 stars.
September 1, 2016
The thing I liked most about this book is that it all made sense. There was an actual plot and the story developed along logical lines. It took place over 6 weeks which is a reasonable period of time for a romance to develop in romance land. The protagonists had logical reactions to events and didn't do a great deal of leaping to absurd conclusions. (There was some of course. This is an HP after all.)
The hero had some moments that made me want to hit him over the head because he was so arrogant that he manipulated her to get his way or just ignored what she wanted and did what he wanted. On the whole though you could mostly see where he started to fall for her and realize that many of his actions were a result of his unfamiliarity with having actual feelings for a woman. He was never really mean or nasty to her. She was pretty well written as a slightly bewildered woman in over her head with this play boy. She did sort of find her feet half way through and start getting him to do things her way.
The author didn't hurry their relationship and spent enough time with them that you got to see the relationship evolve rather than just be told it did. Enjoyable.
The hero had some moments that made me want to hit him over the head because he was so arrogant that he manipulated her to get his way or just ignored what she wanted and did what he wanted. On the whole though you could mostly see where he started to fall for her and realize that many of his actions were a result of his unfamiliarity with having actual feelings for a woman. He was never really mean or nasty to her. She was pretty well written as a slightly bewildered woman in over her head with this play boy. She did sort of find her feet half way through and start getting him to do things her way.
The author didn't hurry their relationship and spent enough time with them that you got to see the relationship evolve rather than just be told it did. Enjoyable.
September 9, 2013
Lysander Metaxis is everything i hate in men.
May 24, 2019
Another great one from LG. There was some heavy plotting in this book that really awed me. But in short the h Ophelia is to marry the H, Lysander in a turn of events that cannot be avoided. Later another clever twist puts them back to square one.
I loved the sparring of the h and H. Ophelia was a sweet girl with a calm temperament and I felt sad to know her background where she has lost her sister a few years ago. To this day Ophelia never finds out what really happened to her little sister and her grandmother never reveals that either.
The H also has some personal issues where he was abused and later adopted by the Metaxis family. He was extremely loving and sexy and he totally turned me on..
The book lost a bit of its flow towards the end. But overall I'm a happy camper with this one!
I loved the sparring of the h and H. Ophelia was a sweet girl with a calm temperament and I felt sad to know her background where she has lost her sister a few years ago. To this day Ophelia never finds out what really happened to her little sister and her grandmother never reveals that either.
The H also has some personal issues where he was abused and later adopted by the Metaxis family. He was extremely loving and sexy and he totally turned me on..
The book lost a bit of its flow towards the end. But overall I'm a happy camper with this one!
July 14, 2025
Okay this opened up with him and his current mistress on his boat and the next scene was him with a different mistress meeting at Madrigal court and the reading of the,will.that says he has to marry Ophelia so he can get the house. He decides to marry.her and there is.no.more mistresses involved. But I hate seeing our heroes with OW but it is wht it is.I guess. He drops the mistress the same day I believe. I loved the heroine She was perfect for him. He was so.jaded and she wasn't hand she changed him. He was besotted almost at once and I like seeing that. Lynne Graham writes great heroes. I love their journey and its very sweet.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 5, 2022
I read part of the manga adaptation of this novel first before I decided to give the novel a shot.
What is interesting about this story is how the main couple is thrusted together by the heroine's grandmother's tricky last will. Then I do like the heroine and her down-to-earth personality and how the romance is developed. The male lead, although being one of those typical arrogant tycoons that you can always find in any other romance novels, doesn't turn into some ridiculous alpha-male asshole, the battle of wits between the main couple is entertaining as well.
As far as romance escapism goes, it's a fine book.
What is interesting about this story is how the main couple is thrusted together by the heroine's grandmother's tricky last will. Then I do like the heroine and her down-to-earth personality and how the romance is developed. The male lead, although being one of those typical arrogant tycoons that you can always find in any other romance novels, doesn't turn into some ridiculous alpha-male asshole, the battle of wits between the main couple is entertaining as well.
As far as romance escapism goes, it's a fine book.
October 14, 2011
Pretty good HP :)
March 22, 2015
This one just didn't gel for me. I kept putting it down and had a hard time finishing it.
December 21, 2011
My take:
The heroine Ophelia inherits a rundown manor upon her grandmother's death. The house is in dire need of repairs and poor Ophelia has no money. The hero, Lysander wants to buy the manor because the house belonged to his "mother's" family. Ophelia's grandmother Gladys, hated the Metaxis family with a passion. Lysander's father broke up with Ophelia's mother and married the Lysander's mother instead. This fueled Gladys's bitter hatred of the Metaxis family. In order to hit the Metaxis clan with one last blow from the grave, Gladys leaves the manor to Lysander and Ophelia if they are married for one year. If they do not, the manor goes to a distant cousin who can not sell it for five years.
At the reading of the will, Lysander sees Ophelia for the first time. He gets that "manly urge" because of Ophelia lovely face and hourglass figure. When Ophelia tells Lysander she will never marry him, he informs her that she needs his money to repair the manor.
Ophelia eventually gives in with the hope that a second document her grandmother left behind will give her the whereabouts of her younger sister. At the wedding reception, Ophelia was given the second document telling her that her younger sister had been adopted. There was also a second will which was written later than the first, it fully gave the manor to Ophelia. Lysander was beyond angry and thought Ophelia knew of her grandmother's second will. Ophelia threatens to divorce Lysander since the manor is now hers but Lysander counters that he bankrupt her if she tries.
Of course, the two move in together, have a few misunderstandings but in the end get on well declare their love blah blah blah. The story between Ophelia's mother and the Metaxis is quite detailed and full of twists and turns. I must say that this book had one of the most exciting *scenes * wink wink of Lynne Graham's books. Only The Frenchman's Love-Child Brides of L'Amour (Harlequin Presents)hild had more hot *scenes*.
Overall, the book was somewhat dry, maybe it is because the hero was super PC. I will give this book 4 out of 5 stars because it was a decent read and Graham did a good job with the background between the two families.
The heroine Ophelia inherits a rundown manor upon her grandmother's death. The house is in dire need of repairs and poor Ophelia has no money. The hero, Lysander wants to buy the manor because the house belonged to his "mother's" family. Ophelia's grandmother Gladys, hated the Metaxis family with a passion. Lysander's father broke up with Ophelia's mother and married the Lysander's mother instead. This fueled Gladys's bitter hatred of the Metaxis family. In order to hit the Metaxis clan with one last blow from the grave, Gladys leaves the manor to Lysander and Ophelia if they are married for one year. If they do not, the manor goes to a distant cousin who can not sell it for five years.
At the reading of the will, Lysander sees Ophelia for the first time. He gets that "manly urge" because of Ophelia lovely face and hourglass figure. When Ophelia tells Lysander she will never marry him, he informs her that she needs his money to repair the manor.
Ophelia eventually gives in with the hope that a second document her grandmother left behind will give her the whereabouts of her younger sister. At the wedding reception, Ophelia was given the second document telling her that her younger sister had been adopted. There was also a second will which was written later than the first, it fully gave the manor to Ophelia. Lysander was beyond angry and thought Ophelia knew of her grandmother's second will. Ophelia threatens to divorce Lysander since the manor is now hers but Lysander counters that he bankrupt her if she tries.
Of course, the two move in together, have a few misunderstandings but in the end get on well declare their love blah blah blah. The story between Ophelia's mother and the Metaxis is quite detailed and full of twists and turns. I must say that this book had one of the most exciting *scenes * wink wink of Lynne Graham's books. Only The Frenchman's Love-Child Brides of L'Amour (Harlequin Presents)hild had more hot *scenes*.
Overall, the book was somewhat dry, maybe it is because the hero was super PC. I will give this book 4 out of 5 stars because it was a decent read and Graham did a good job with the background between the two families.
August 10, 2017
I do like fast-paced romances, but this one felt as if it kept jumping from one scene to another. Graham does a nice job with the characters. The turnover of Lysander from being arrogant and selfish to a besotted hero felt a bit abrupt to me though. What I do like about Lysander is that even though at times his behaviour towards Ophelia made me want to smack him on his head, he is a good guy overall. His issues with commitment is also understandable.
About Ophelia, She comes out as a very confused person, but then Lysander’s hot and cold nature is somewhat responsible for it. She does become more sure-footed, but I wanted her to be a bit more confident.
Another interesting touch, is the parrot Haddock, who has been taught so that it always starts to derogate Lysander whenever it hears his name.
This was a quick read, not one of Lynne Graham's best works, but enjoyable nonetheless.
About Ophelia, She comes out as a very confused person, but then Lysander’s hot and cold nature is somewhat responsible for it. She does become more sure-footed, but I wanted her to be a bit more confident.
Another interesting touch, is the parrot Haddock, who has been taught so that it always starts to derogate Lysander whenever it hears his name.
This was a quick read, not one of Lynne Graham's best works, but enjoyable nonetheless.
July 12, 2017
loved them as a couple
loved the sex scenes
loved the sex scenes
December 23, 2023
Dropped a star after rereading—still entertaining, but not 4 stars entertaining.
Entertaining, very entertaining.
Entertaining, very entertaining.
January 3, 2021
Ok read... recommended.
March 30, 2017
Read this book again last night ** I love this book & series so much ** Lysander & Ophelia ^^ + Haddock. This book has so many memorable scenes in it like the boy toy supercar - goat accident scene, the fake gold digger act..... Its also my favorite book in this series, I love Molly's book the least! Ophelia is one of my favorite h in the HP world ahahahahahah so crazy, fun, entertaining... Their romance was so *sigh worthy* and their conversations? Omg I loved it, so funny at times. Lysander was the typical tall, dark, sexy and mega rich Greek billionaire who did not know what hit him until too late! What hit him- Ophelia of course? = D He fell hard obviously, and his attempts at making conversations just to keep Ophelia sweet omg so sly but sweet <3
5 *****
5 *****
May 22, 2013
One of my most favorite HP ever.
Totally loved H & h.
oh & ophelia was one of my most favourite heroines.
especially when she sets out to annoy lysander and nearly abandons him when she suspected him to be unfaithful.
her anger was reasonable & totally fantastic.
Totally loved H & h.
oh & ophelia was one of my most favourite heroines.
especially when she sets out to annoy lysander and nearly abandons him when she suspected him to be unfaithful.
her anger was reasonable & totally fantastic.
December 6, 2016
==>Re-read December 6, 2016 (ebook)
==>Read June 4, 2012 (paperback)
==>Read June 4, 2012 (paperback)
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